Honoring our Armed Forces

WHEREAS, Knights of Columbus support for the armed forces dates back to the early 20th century, most notably with the establishment of the Knights of Columbus hospitality centers supporting the welfare of Allied troops during the First World War; and

WHEREAS, the Order operated centers in more than 100 locations throughout Europe serving the physical and spiritual needs of soldiers under the motto, “Everybody Welcome, Everything Free;” and

WHEREAS, the Order’s support for the armed forces continues to the present day, most notably with the distribution of 500,000 military prayer books, including an English and French version, to U.S. and Canadian troops around the world; and

WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus maintains 63 active military councils around the world and has three war-zone round tables in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan with another in the war-torn Horn of Africa; and

WHEREAS, our Brother Knights, along with thousands of other servicemen and women, are presently deployed in hostile and unstable regions around the world in efforts to combat terrorism, maintain order and promote peace; and

WHEREAS, the families of those courageous servicemen and women now deployed are praying for their safe return; and

WHEREAS, many of these men and women have heroically given their lives or sustained serious or debilitating injury while deployed in the service of their country; and

WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus is committed to “serving those who served” through the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Services program, with Brother Knights donating nearly 99,000 hours of volunteer service at over 136 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers last year; and

WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus has demonstrated its commitment to “wounded warriors” by partnering with the Gary Sinise Foundation for the construction of “smart houses” for those service members who have suffered traumatic injuries in the field of battle.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we reaffirm our unequivocal gratitude, support, and encouragement for the men and women of the armed forces who defend our liberties and freedoms; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we will never waver in our commitment to recognize the contributions of every service member on Active Duty, in the Guard, in the Reserves, and all veterans and retired service members; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we prayerfully support and encourage the families of those servicemen and women who are deployed overseas; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we continue to pray for the mission success and the safe return of all military personnel, especially those deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and other combat zones throughout the world; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, that we now pay tribute to those men and women who have served, especially those who have suffered serious combat injuries, and we pray for the souls of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in the service of their country.